Title: Sunshine by My Side 骄阳伴我
Premiere: 9.1.23 (locally)
https://www.viki.com/tv/40134c-sunshine-by-my-side#
Still unlicensed on Viki.com! Hope it’ll be licensed soon. 
Yes, people do. In fact, surprising and record-breaking huge numbers of drama lovers or fans of specific actors/actresses do and will. It’s also a manifestation of their support for such dramas and/or their beloved actors/actresses.
These “reservations” are paid subscriptions to stream any specific drama as soon as it is released. There are also various categories of paid subscriptions, which include advance-viewing and viewing of an increased number of episodes (in comparison to “free” viewing), as well as “bonus” clips and/or events.